~ PNAU feat. Ladyhawke – “Embrace” (Fredrick Carlsson Epic Mix) ~
Is there such a thing as sci-fi pop? Well, if not then that’s what I’m dubbing this. The synthesizers make me think of a spaceship so if they were to make a video of this version, that’s where it would take place: on a cool spaceship with white interior. The song was great to being with but I really like what Carlsson did with it. It is indeed rather epic.

~ Terribly Empty Pockets – “Drunk On Gasoline” ~
I might be completely off on this one, but I think it sounds like something that very well could have been on The Go-Betweens’ 16 Lovers Lane album. The strumming guitars, the sing-a-along melody… It was the first thing that popped into mind anyway. Can’t deny that it’s a good song though!

~ Isolation Years – “Michael (If You Cannot Row)” ~
Swedish band that I personally think are a bit underrated here. This is from their 2005 album Cover The Distance which is probably my favorite thanks to this song as well as “Nurse Hands”. Took me awhile to get used to the male vocals as I found them a bit drab at first but now I quite like them. But if you haven’t heard these guys before then this might be a good song to start with as it also has some nice female vocals in it.

~ The Muttering Retreats – “Awkward Poetry” ~
Quirky pop with a touch of twee. The album is rather uneven in song- as well as vocal quality depending on who’s singing. Generally I find the female vocals more engaging than the male on this album, but this song is actually an exception.

~ Seabear – “Lion Face Boy” ~
Icelandic Seabear’s name is as cute as their jangly indie-pop. This one has a rather carefree and cheerful feel to it. A feel-good song basically that also happens to be their latest single.